The Supreme Court has criticised certain states for taking contradictory stances when seeking benefits from central government schemes.
A bench of Justices Surya Kant and N. Kotiswar Singh noted that some states claim high per capita income to showcase development. However, when applying for food security benefits, they argue that 70 per cent of their population is poor.
The court was hearing a plea on issues faced by migrant labourers and unorganised sector workers. Advocate Prashant Bhushan, representing the petitioner, highlighted delays in issuing ration cards. He stated that 30 crore people had applied for ration cards through the Centre’s E-Shram Portal, but 8 crore were still waiting.
Bhushan argued that states claim they have exhausted their quota for subsidised ration. However, this is unfair as many eligible applicants have received ration cards in previous years. He pointed out that the current quota is based on the 2011 census, making it outdated.
"If a census was conducted in 2021, 10 crore more people would qualify for ration cards," Bhushan said. He added that while the Union government had increased funding for schemes like Ayushman Bharat, ration card allocations had not been adjusted.
The lawyer stressed that the right to food is protected under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. He argued that states cannot deny new applicants ration cards under government schemes.
After hearing the arguments, the Supreme Court directed the Centre to devise an effective plan for issuing ration cards to the poor. "Let us ensure an effective mechanism to provide ration cards," Justice Surya Kant told Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati.
The bench also agreed with Bhushan that the issue is serious. "We must ensure that all poor people, including those Below Poverty Line, receive subsidised ration," the court stated.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta requested more time to respond. The court scheduled the next hearing for 4 April.
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